Reflections on a Whirlwind Year in Conservation Architecture
Paul Channing • 4 December 2024
2024. What a year for BluePrint.
As we approach the end of another year, it's time to pause and reflect on the incredible journey we've experienced. The past 12 months have been nothing short of extraordinary, filled with challenging projects, rewarding outcomes, and a pace that has left us breathless but fulfilled.
Our commitment to preserving local architectural heritage has kept us so engrossed that we've barely had a moment to share our experiences with you. It's been over two years since our last project update and an astonishing 21 months since we penned our last journal entry. This radio silence wasn't intentional – it's simply a testament to the demanding nature of our work and the trust our clients have placed in us.
While being in high demand is certainly a positive sign, our lack of communication may have left some of you wondering about our recent endeavours. We've been working tirelessly behind the scenes, tackling complex heritage projects, navigating intricate planning processes, and ensuring our local architectural treasures are in good shape for future generations.
To bridge this gap and provide you with valuable insights into our work, we're excited to announce that we're preparing an Investment Guide. This comprehensive resource will offer a deep dive into our world, showcasing our expertise and providing the information you need to consider us for your next project.
We appreciate your patience and continued interest in our work. The Investment Guide is our way of reconnecting with you, sharing our knowledge, and demonstrating the value we bring to every heritage project we undertake.
Keep an eye on this space—we'll release the Investment Guide soon and can't wait to share it with you. It's our promise to keep you better informed and engaged with our passion for architectural conservation.
Thank you for your ongoing support. Here's to another year of preserving history, one building at a time.
Cheers,
Paul
We are delighted to announce that Christina Channing has joined BluePrint Architectural Workshop as Director. This marks an exciting expansion in our architectural services across Devon and Cornwall.
The Market Hall in Newton Abbot stands as a testament to the town's vibrant commercial heritage. As specialists in listed buildings and heritage properties, BluePrint Architectural Workshop is proud to be part of this significant restoration project, working alongside Teignbridge District Council, LHC Architects, and AECOM. The Challenge: Balancing History with Modern Needs Historic market halls present unique challenges. Years of ad hoc modifications, varying maintenance approaches, and the natural wear of time had left their mark on this 19th-century landmark. Our initial dilapidation surveys revealed several critical issues: Inappropriate modern alterations that compromised the building's historical integrity. Structural concerns requiring specialist attention. Complex compliance requirements for modern safety standards. The need to maintain the building's commercial viability while preserving its heritage. Our Approach: Expertise in Action Drawing upon our 99% success rate with listed building consent applications, we developed a comprehensive strategy that addressed both preservation and practical needs: 1. Detailed Documentation: Our thorough dilapidation surveys mapped every historical feature requiring attention, creating a precise blueprint for restoration. 2. Strategic Planning: We crafted detailed repair information that satisfied both conservation requirements and modern building standards. 3. Consent Navigation: Our expertise in heritage projects proved invaluable in securing the necessary planning and listed building consents, ensuring all stakeholders' requirements were met. The Solution: Restoring Authenticity Our restoration plan focuses on: Removing unsympathetic modern alterations. Reinstating original architectural features. Implementing repairs that respect traditional building methods. Ensuring the building meets contemporary requirements while maintaining its historic character. Progress Update Construction has commenced, marking an exciting phase in the Market Hall's journey. As we progress, we uncover and document historical features hidden for generations, adding to our understanding of this important building's heritage. Looking Forward This project exemplifies our commitment to preserving Devon's architectural heritage while ensuring these buildings remain viable for future generations. We'll be sharing regular updates on social media as this exciting project progresses, documenting each step of returning this cherished landmark to its former glory while preparing it for its next chapter.
Traditional joinery often presents complex challenges when it comes to listed buildings in Devon and Cornwall. Our recent Grade II listed project at Rosemount in Ipplepen offers valuable insights into how specialist intervention can deliver authentic solutions whilst improving comfort and efficiency.
Are you contemplating investing in a listed building or planning modifications to your heritage property? Our comprehensive Investment Guide is designed to help you navigate the unique challenges and opportunities these special buildings present. Why We Created This Guide There are over 500,000 listed buildings in the UK, each telling a unique story of our architectural heritage. However, owning or developing these properties requires specialist knowledge and careful consideration. Drawing on our extensive experience in the South West, we've created this guide to help you make informed decisions about your heritage property investment. What You'll Discover Our Investment Guide covers essential aspects of heritage property development: Understanding listed building significance. Navigating the planning process. Balancing conservation with modern comfort. Sustainable approaches to heritage buildings. Cost considerations and value enhancement. Real-world case studies from our portfolio. Making Heritage Work for You Through carefully selected case studies, we demonstrate how thoughtful architectural intervention can: - Preserve historic character while meeting modern needs - Add value through sensitive design - Improve energy efficiency without compromising heritage - Create comfortable, practical living spaces Expert Guidance As specialists in listed buildings and sensitive sites, we understand the complexities of heritage property development. Our guide reflects our commitment to helping property owners make informed decisions about their investments. Get Your Copy To receive your complimentary copy of our Investment Guide, click here .
Plymouth's iconic Tinside Lido, one of Britain's finest examples of Art Deco architecture in the South West, is undergoing a transformative £2.5 million conservation project. As heritage building specialists at BluePrint Architectural Workshop, we're proud to play a crucial role in preserving this Grade II listed landmark for future generations of Devon and Cornwall residents.
A remarkable transformation has taken place in the heart of Penzance. A once-derelict Grade II-listed reservoir has been given a new lease on life as the Penzance Creative Cluster, now known as Pixel. This innovative project, which I had the privilege of working on during my time at Stride Treglown, showcases an exciting blend of conservation and modern design.
A Monumental Challenge In the heart of Plymouth's historic Devonport area, a piece of naval history recently faced an unexpected setback. The late 18th-century Grade II-listed gateway to South Yard, a testament to Devonport's rich maritime heritage, was accidentally toppled in a traffic incident. As conservation architects, we were given a unique opportunity to piece together this architectural puzzle and breathe new life into a cherished local landmark.
A Gem in Cornwall's Crown Nestled in the picturesque town of Padstow, Cornwall, Cove Cottage stands as a testament to the region's rich architectural heritage. This Grade II listed property, dating back to the early 18th century, embodies the charm and character that make Padstow a beloved destination.
Heating large buildings doesn’t have to cost the earth In the heart of Plymouth, a groundbreaking project is setting new standards for sustainable energy in historic settings. BluePrint had the privilege of working with the University of Plymouth to secure listed building consent for an innovative water source heat pump at Drake's Reservoir.
We're thrilled to announce that BluePrint has recently achieved the notable milestone of becoming a Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Chartered Practice! This achievement demonstrates our enduring commitment to providing the highest quality professional architectural services, upholding the highest ethical and best practice standards in the field. As a RIBA Chartered Practice, we will continue to build upon and deliver innovative architectural solutions for our clients. Becoming a RIBA Chartered Practice signifies our growth and evolution as a specialist architecture firm. We look forward to the exciting opportunities ahead as an RIBA Chartered Practice.
The conservation and refurbishment of a beautiful property in Wembury, South Devon
Health and well-being hub
Repurposing for cultural and leisure purposes
A new contractor to pick up the challenge
A new contractor to pick up the challenge
Releasing the potential of a beautiful property
Radford Castle, Devon, PL9
Much more to heritage than architecture
